Cross through Teyvat, and you'll become stronger by taking the hits!

Although Xiangling had already set off for Mondstadt, she didn't bring her ever-present friend, Wanmintang, with her because of a shortage of staff. Instead, she left it at Wanmintang to help out.

Therefore, when Lu Li arrived at Wanmintang with Hu Tao, the first thing he saw was that little yellow creature that looked like a bear.

It holds the plate on its head with both hands and runs to the guests' table to serve the food, making "lululu" sounds.

"Hey, Guoba, good afternoon! Isn't Xiangling at the shop today?"

Finding that Xiangling was not in the store, Hu Tao waved to the little guy named Guoba and asked him about it.

"Lulu~ Lululu~!"

Guoba recognized him and ran over to Hu Tao, gesturing something with his hands, which Lu Li, standing to the side, couldn't understand at all.

"Oh, I see. Let's order first."

Hu Tao nodded knowingly.

Upon hearing Hu Tao's words, Guo Ba immediately turned around, ran over, and handed her the menu.

After asking Lu Li's opinion, Hu Tao quickly ordered the dishes and handed the menu to Guoba, who then ran back to the kitchen to help.

"Hu Tao, can you understand what Guoba is saying?"

Seeing that Guoba had left, Lu Li couldn't help but ask Hu Tao about it.

Her reaction just now was as if she could communicate with Guoba without any problems.

"Of course I don't understand, but Xiangling often goes out to find ingredients, so I guess she'll do the same this time."

Hu Tao shrugged; of course she didn't understand.

The dishes the two ordered were quickly served by Guoba, all of which were Wanmintang's specialties, especially the Wanmintang boiled fish.

"You've been abducted for ten years, and it's been a long time since you've come back. Eat more and see if you can still remember Master Mao's cooking skills. If it's not enough, I'll order some more."

Hu Tao handed the bowl of rice to Lu Li and urged him to hurry.

"Okay, I'll try it right away."

Lu Li took the bowl and then eagerly picked up his chopsticks.

He's currently using the Snowfield Survival Rules, so he shouldn't be afraid of spicy food. He picked up a piece of boiled fish and started to enjoy it.

"..."

Then, Lu Li's face turned red at a visible speed.

Although the Snowfield Survival Rules could quickly relieve pain and even balance the subsequent burning sensation, the spiciness still rushed to Lu Li's head the moment he made contact.

"Are you alright? Would you like some milk to warm up? Don't push yourself too hard."

Noticing the change in Lu Li's expression, Hu Tao picked up a bottle of milk she had just ordered, shook it, and placed it next to Lu Li's bowl.

"I'm fine... just a little tipsy..."

Lu Li shook his head. The survival rules of the snowy realm were now taking effect, and the sensation on his tongue was gradually improving.

It is indeed spicy...

"That's good, then I won't stand on ceremony."

Seeing that Lu Li had calmed down, Hu Tao finally felt relieved and picked up her chopsticks herself.

The boy's blush spoke volumes. Seeing Lu Li's face turn red from the spiciness while he continued eating and hissing, Hu Tao felt her appetite improve considerably.

However, although she could still handle spicy food better than Lu Li before, today, for the sake of the challenge, the spiciness level was set higher than usual, and she couldn't handle it after eating too much.

"Hiss... Lu Li, you really are a soldier, you can eat so much even though it's so spicy..."

"Oh no, I was careless this time. I don't think I'll be able to finish it..."

After eating a small bowl of rice, Hu Tao was so spicy that her mouth was practically watering.

Even the most spicy person has their limits, and this time she clearly reached her limit.

Compared to her, Lu Li, although her whole body was burning red from the spiciness, was able to endure it and her expression was fine, unlike her who had her mouth open and drool was flowing out.

"Hiss...not spicy!"

"I can still eat, Walnut, don't worry, this level of spiciness is no problem for me."

Grinning and taking a deep breath, Lu Li stuck out his tongue before speaking with great confidence.

Two years ago, he didn't initially think of using ice elemental power to "self-harm." In order to deduct his own life points in order to improve the level of the Snow Realm Survival Law, and to avoid killing himself directly, he chose to secretly lick industrial chili peppers.

That's how he learned that the rules of survival in snowy conditions can also help relieve the spiciness.

Then, under Hu Tao's surprised gaze, Lu Li quickly finished off the food on the table while his face turned red from the spiciness.

Finally, clutching his swollen belly, he walked out of Wanmintang with Hu Tao.

"It seems this time I, the sect leader, have brought this humiliation upon myself. I never expected you to be so good at eating spicy food now."

"Sigh, I never lost to you when we were kids..."

Hu Tao stood beside Lu Li, hands on her hips, and sighed.

"But now is not the time to worry about growing up. Lu Li, you just got back, so you probably don't have a place to stay yet, right? Why don't you stay at the Rebirth Hall for now? There are still some empty rooms there."

Then Hu Tao asked Lu Li a question.

Hearing her question, Lu Li tilted his head and thought for a moment before answering:

"Not yet, but I plan to go to the Northern Bank first. I remember I should have some Mora in my account. I wonder if I can withdraw it. If I can, I'll look for a place to stay later."

He originally had a lot of cash, but it was all in his suitcase, and now it may have become a treasure in the deep sea, waiting to be accidentally opened by an adventurer one day.

Lu Li's savings certificate from the Northern Bank was also in his suitcase, so he really didn't know if he could withdraw the Mora from his original account.

"Northern Bank, huh? Come to think of it, our guest advisor was invited there a few times the other day. Could it be that someone is trying to poach him...?"

"Alright, since that's how it is, Lu Li, you can go now. I should head back to the shop. If you can't find a place to stay, come find me."

"Also, remember to come to the Hall of Rebirth for dinner tonight. I, the head of the hall, will personally welcome you and introduce you to my guest elder. You seem quite interested in him."

Upon hearing about the Northern Bank, Hu Tao first stroked her chin and muttered something before giving Lu Li some instructions.

"Okay, thank you, Walnut. I'll be going now. Wait for my good news! I remember I've saved quite a bit of money!"

"I just don't know if it can scan faces..."

Lu Li nodded and said goodbye to Hu Tao, then muttered to himself as he walked away into the distance.

Watching Lu Li leave, Hu Tao couldn't help but mutter to herself.

"Grandpa... Lu Li is back..."

"Can I go see what you left behind...?"

……

After saying goodbye to Hu Tao, Lu Li once again arrived at the bustling Feiyun Slope.

Due to the recent events at the Layered Rock Abyss, Winter sent troops to assist Liyue in its investigation, leading to improved relations between the two countries. As a result, the Northern Bank also benefited and experienced rapid growth in Liyue.

Therefore, Lu Li casually asked a passerby and found out the location of the Northern Bank, which was on the second floor of the bustling building on Feiyun Slope.

And so, Lu Li arrived at the Northern Bank.

Upon entering the bank lobby, Lu Li found no one conducting business and immediately went to the bank counter.

"Is Tatalia there?"

Lu Li asked the receptionist at the counter directly.

He had known not long ago that Tartaglia had set off for Liyue.

"Sir, this is Northern Bank. If you're looking for someone, please... wait, who are you looking for?"

The receptionist at the counter answered instinctively, but quickly realized what she meant.

"I'm looking for Tartaglia, Young Master Tartaglia. He should be in Liyue right now, right?"

Lu Li had no choice but to repeat it to the receptionist.

……